Tag Archives: nails

Namaskar Spa, Marrakech

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Every girl should have perfect nails to display at the poolside so I was delighted when I got the chance to try the Namaskar Spa for a full luxury pedicure.

Located down a hidden pathway, the spa is unassuming – a quiet retreat for guests needing some t.l.c. Greeted by the friendly staff, I took a seat and enjoyed my soothing tea and warm cleansing cloth.

My therapist spoke no English so we communicated minimally through hand gestures. A full hour of intensive foot pampering passed by quickly, it was perhaps the most thorough pedicure I have ever experienced.

After a soak and file, my feet were exfoliated and moisturised, though the best part was the amazing massage which followed. While I read through the various magazines on offer, my therapist worked miracles on my feet, her concentration did not falter. My toenails were trimmed, rounded and even my Jessica nail varnish colour of choice was painted on, a vibrant shade of daffodil yellow.

With flip-flops carefully manoeuvred onto my colourful feet, I was ready to show off my tootsies by the pool. Namaskar Spa is a real asset to the hotel and a must for every guest.

More information here: www.palaisnamaskar.com/eng/welcome/

Nailberry, South Kensington

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Nailberry has the largest and most diverse collection of nail varnishes, shellac, gel, pearls, glitter and nail art pens imaginable. This is just one of the reasons I rate them so highly as an exemplary nail bar.

Nailberry was launched seven months ago by Sonia Hully, a creative and determined young woman on a mission to run a speedy and hygienic nail bar that offers affordable quality treatments. It is a stylish boutique salon, with white and beige decor and pretty floral wallpaper giving a calming and relaxing atmosphere. I spent a lovely hour at Nailberry chatting and being pampered.

There are a variety of manicures, pedicures and other treatments available including some very special and unique treats like the Japanese Manicure with P shine based on a process used four hundred years ago – Nailberry are one of the only places in London offering this unusual treatment. I tried the Classic Manicure involving soak, cut, file, cuticle removal and nail colour, although now, looking at the menu, I’m annoyed I didn’t try the signature Nailberry manicure which includes hot towel moisturise and massage.

Fuelling my fluorescent fetish, I had to choose between a variety of neon hues, all brilliantly radiant… feeling overwhelmed and indecisive, I decided on five neon shades, green, yellow, red, pink and orange to adorn the five fingers on each hand. Iva, my manicurist proceeded with precision, and my nails were groomed and trimmed to look their best before two coats of colour were carefully applied. Now, a week later, the colour remains unchipped and in perfect condition, truly one of the longest lasting manicures I have ever had.

Conveniently close to my work, I know I will be a regular visitor to this colourful salon. The Nailberry brand are hoping to bring out their own range of neon varnishes soon which I am also very excited about! Perfect with my neon pink branding, Nailberry and Thoroughly Modern Milly should collaborate!

Visit the Nailberry website here for more information.

Salt and Chocolate Nail Bar, South Kensington

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Salt and Chocolate nail bar stands out from the crowd, not only because of its quirky name but also because of the high quality and thorough nail treatments on offer.

I spent over an hour in the salon receiving the most indulgent manicure from an expert beautician. It being located a short walk from South Kensington tube, I could definitely get used to having Salt and Chocolate as my local nail bar.

S&C has an extensive range of Opi and Essie colours on offer allowing customers to choose any hue they desire. After the usual debate of bright or dark, pastel or shimmer – I opted for a unique shade of pastel pea green, an unusual colour from Opi.

I tried the Sweet and Salty Luxury Manicure, the most indulgent treatment on the menu! After all the usual nail preening and trimming, my therapist gave me the most invigorating and relaxing hand and arm massage I have ever had. After my hands were suitably soft the painting began. Due to its iridescence, I needed to have three coats of the green varnish so that the colour appeared as creamy and rich as on the bottle.

I was impressed with the gorgeous range of special homemade products. The Lavender Salt and Honey Scrub left my hands super silky and smooth and removed all dead skin after only one use. This exfoliator scrub comes in two ‘flavours’, I was lucky enough to take home a small pot of the lemon variant.

I have no doubts that Salt & Chocolate will continue to thrive, London needs more nail bars like this!

Visit the Salt & Chocolate website here.